Some patients need to be isolated from other patients, hospital staff, and visitors due to their illness during their hospital stay. This is because they are carrying harmful microorganisms that have the potential of infecting others. In hospitals, where there are many sick people, preventing the spread of these microorganisms becomes important. This is because an already ill person may have a harder time fighting a new infection.

Perhaps your doctor has ordered that you need isolation precautions. This is not intended to be a punishment. The doctor and staff are only trying to protect you and others. But, being isolated may bring about feelings of loneliness or discouragement. Learning more about contact isolation may help you to cope better with your situation.

Types of Isolation Precautions

There are a few types of isolation precautions that may be used. For example, if you have an infection that spreads by droplets in the air, people entering your room may need to wear gowns, gloves, and masks. If you have an infection that spreads through touching, people entering your room may only need to wear gowns and gloves.

The staff may take other measures to prevent spreading infections to others. These may include:

Cleaning all surfaces and equipment often

Keep only necessary furniture, supplies, and equipment in the room

Stocking the sink with hand hygiene products, such as hand sanitizer, soap, paper towels, and gloves

Placing an isolation sign on your door

Placing protective equipment outside of the room for people to put on before entering

Placing disposal bins in your room for wastes, used needles, and linens

Keeping the door to your room closed

Your Visitors and Hospital Staff

If someone does come into your room, they may also have to wear the appropriate protective equipment that the medical staff is wearing. In addition, they may have to keep personal items away from you and avoid using the restroom in your room.

Along with protective clothing, staff and visitors will clean their hands by either washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Studies have shown that hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of diseases.

Wash your hands properly before and after eating and using the bathroom. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Throw the tissue away immediately. If you are coughing, your doctor may ask you to wear a mask.

Communicate Your Concerns

Although it may seem that everyone around you looks as if they have stepped out of a sci-fi movie, it is important to know that the precautions taken are a part of providing you with the best treatment possible. But, recovery involves more than following safety measures and dispensing medicines. Recovery also requires emotional support and compassionate care from those around you. If at any time you feel lonely, depressed, or agitated due to your isolation, share your concerns with your doctors and nurses so that they can take action to ensure that your time in the hospital is a comfortable one.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Landelle C, Pagaini L, Harbarth S. Is patient isolation the single most important measure to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens?
Virulence. 2013;4(2):163-171.

Infection prevention and control recommendations for hospitalized patients under investigation for ebola virus disease in US hospitals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/healthcare-us/hospitals/infection-control.html. Updated January 9, 2015. Accessed February 19, 2015.